Hernia Repair Surgery: What You Need to Know

Dealing with a hernia can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. While there are non-surgical treatment options available, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia and relieve symptoms. If you or someone you know is considering hernia repair surgery, it’s important to understand what the procedure entails and what to expect during recovery

We know that the idea of surgery can be intimidating, but we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your health. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of hernia surgery!

What is a Hernia?

Before we dive into hernia removal surgery, let’s take a moment to discuss what a hernia is. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Common types of hernias include:

Inguinal (groin) Hernia
Femoral (upper thigh) Hernia
Umbilical (belly button) Hernia
Hiatal (upper stomach) Hernia
Incisional (scar) Hernia

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common type, affecting both men and women. They occur when the intestines push through a weak spot in the lower abdomen, often resulting in a visible bulge or swelling. Surgical options for inguinal hernias include open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair.

Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia occurs when a section of the intestine protrudes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall in the lower abdomen near the thigh. It typically travels beneath and to the side of the pubic tubercle and can be identified by the femoral vein. Surgical options for femoral hernias include open surgery or laparoscopic repair.

In contrast, an inguinal hernia occurs when a section of the intestine protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall in the groin area. It is typically observed above and towards the middle of the pubic tubercle.

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernias occur when part of the small intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles near the navel. This type of hernia is particularly common in infants but can also affect adults. Surgical repair for umbilical hernias involves closing the hole in the abdominal wall.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This type of hernia is often associated with acid reflux and can cause symptoms such as heartburn and difficulty swallowing. Surgical options for hiatal hernias include laparoscopic repair and fundoplication.

Incisional Hernia

Incisional hernias develop at the site of a previous surgical incision. They occur when the tissue or organs push through the weakened scar tissue. Surgical options for incisional hernias include open surgery with mesh reinforcement or laparoscopic repair.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Hernia

Here are some common symptoms of hernia:

A visible or palpable lump or bulge in the affected area may become more noticeable when coughing, straining, or standing.
A feeling of discomfort or pressure in the affected area, especially when lifting heavy objects or during physical activity.
Pain or discomfort in the affected area may be sharp or dull and can worsen with physical activity.
Heartburn or acid reflux, which may be a symptom of a hiatal hernia.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or difficulty passing stool, which may be symptoms of an incarcerated or strangulated hernia.

What are the Surgical Treatment Options for Hernia?

Which type of surgery is best for you will depend on various factors, such as the size and location of the hernia, your overall health, and your personal preferences. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of each option with your doctor before making a decision.

There are three main types of hernia repair surgery:

1. Open Hernia Repair Surgery:

This is the traditional approach to hernia repair, where the surgeon makes a larger incision in the affected area and repairs the hernia through that opening. This procedure can be done with or without using a mesh patch to reinforce the weakened area of the abdominal wall. Open surgery is usually recommended for larger or more complex hernias.

Open hernia repair surgery is effective and has been used for many years, but it can be associated with longer recovery times and more postoperative pain.

2. Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) hernia repair surgery:

In this approach, the surgeon makes several small incisions and uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light (called a laparoscope) to view the hernia and surrounding tissue. This allows the surgeon to see the hernia on a video monitor and repair it using mesh without making a large incision. This technique usually results in less pain, scarring, and a shorter recovery time than open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is typically recommended for smaller hernias or when the patient wants a faster recovery time.

3. Robotic hernia repair surgery:

This relatively new approach uses a robotic arm controlled by the surgeon to repair the hernia through small incisions in the abdominal wall. The robot gives the surgeon a three-dimensional view of the surgical area and more precise movements than traditional laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery may result in less pain, scarring, and a shorter recovery time than open surgery, but it can be more expensive and not covered by insurance. This technique is usually recommended for complex or hard-to-reach hernias.

At Gwinnett Surgical Specialists, Dr. Kakarla and Dr. Solis perform open and laparoscopic surgeries. Dr. Kakarla also performs robotic surgeries.

Emergency Surgery for Hernia?

Emergency surgery may be necessary in certain cases to prevent the occurrence of severe complications. Most common issues for emergency hernia surgery are:

Incarcerated hernia: When a hernia becomes incarcerated, the protruding tissue or organ is trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. This can cause severe pain and discomfort and lead to a strangulated hernia.
Strangulated hernia: A strangulated hernia occurs when the blood supply to the protruding tissue or organ is cut off, which can cause tissue death and other serious complications. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia may include severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and a red or discolored bulge.
Ruptured hernia: In rare cases, a hernia can rupture, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications. Symptoms of a ruptured hernia may include sudden, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

What to Expect During and After Hernia Surgery?

During the surgery, you will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free. The length of the procedure will depend on the type of surgery you are having and the complexity of the hernia. Afterward, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two to recover and ensure that there are no complications.

After hernia repair surgery, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Recovery times will vary depending on the type of surgery you have and your individual circumstances. You may experience some pain and discomfort for a few days or weeks after surgery, but your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage this. Most patients can return to their regular activities within a few weeks. Still, it’s crucial to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any complications. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery to allow your body time to heal.

How can I Reduce and Manage Pain After Hernia Surgery?

After hernia surgery, it is common to experience some pain and discomfort. Here are some tips to help reduce and manage pain:

Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage and frequency.
Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery to give your body time to heal.
Take it easy and rest as much as possible. Avoid bending, twisting, or straining as much as possible.
Eat a healthy diet of protein, fiber, and nutrients to support your body’s healing process.
Consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help manage pain and reduce stress.

Message from Gwinnett Surgical Specialists

Facing hernia removal surgery can be daunting, but with the right knowledge, understanding, and our guidance, you can approach the procedure with confidence. By familiarizing yourself with the various types of hernias and the surgical options available, you can have informed discussions with our surgeons and make decisions that are best for your specific situation. Remember, every patient is unique, and so will your personalized advice and guidance.

Before you start searching for the “best surgeon for hernia surgery near me,” you should know that Gwinnett Surgical Specialists offers a full spectrum of hernia repair surgeries in Lawrenceville.

Get in touch with us today to book an appointment for a consultation with our qualified surgeons. Call us at 770-962-9977 for more details.